Axis Underwriting, the Lloyd’s coverholder set up by Gary Dawson in 1999 as a business unit of Whitbread Insurance Group, is welcoming a new man at the helm in July.

In a release, Axis said its founding boss is stepping down as managing director and chief executive next month. Taking over from him is two-decade insurance veteran Ivan Verescuk, who has been with the underwriting agency for seven years as general manager.  

Dawson, meanwhile, will serve as executive director for the next 12 months as part of the leadership transition. He has led the Melbourne-headquartered business, which together with Whitbread came under the Steadfast Group umbrella in 2017, for 22 years.

“On behalf of the board, I offer sincere thanks to Gary for his many years of outstanding service and his significant achievements,” said Axis chair Gary Gribbin. “His is a legacy which will never be forgotten. And I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Ivan as he assumes the role of managing director and CEO.”

Also with offices in Sydney and Brisbane, Axis is backed by security providers Lloyd’s, HDI, and AXA XL.